Pokemon: Detective Pikachu Movie Finds its Lead Actor

Justice Smith joins the Pokemon flick.

The live action Pokemon movie has cast The Get Down actor Justice Smith in a lead role.

Variety reports that Smith will star as a yet-to-be-named character in the Detective Pikachu film, which will be written by Guardians of the Galaxy screenwriter Nicole Perlman and Gravity Falls creator Alex Hirsch. Smith is best known as the break-out star from Netflix's single season show The Get Down, and will also be seen in Jurassic World 2 when it comes out June next year.

Last month it was reported that Legendary Pictures was eyeing several action stars in mind for the voice of Detective Pikachu, including Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne Johnson.

Smith in The Get Down

Last year, Legendary Pictures announced that it has acquired the film rights to Pokemon, though production on its Detective Pikachu movie was nudged from this year to January of next.

For more Pokemon while you wait, check out our recent review of Pokemon Sun and Moon.

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Lucy O'Brien is Games & Entertainment Editor at IGN’s Sydney office. Follow her on Twitter.